Topical Bible: God: Preserver: Under Ehud

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In the biblical narrative, God is often depicted as the preserver of His people, Israel, especially during times of oppression and distress. One such instance is found in the account of Ehud, a judge of Israel, as recorded in the Book of Judges. This period in Israel's history is marked by a cyclical pattern of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, with God raising up judges to deliver His people from their enemies.

Context and Background

The account of Ehud is situated in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 3:12-30. After the death of Othniel, the first judge, the Israelites once again fell into sin, doing "evil in the sight of the LORD" (Judges 3:12). As a result, God allowed Eglon, the king of Moab, to gain power over Israel. The Israelites served Eglon for eighteen years, experiencing great oppression.

God's Preservation through Ehud

In response to the Israelites' cries for help, God raised up Ehud, the son of Gera, a Benjamite, to deliver them. Ehud is described as a left-handed man, a detail that plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan for preservation. Ehud's left-handedness allowed him to conceal a double-edged sword on his right thigh, which he used to assassinate King Eglon during a private meeting under the guise of delivering a tribute.

Judges 3:20-21 recounts the pivotal moment: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

The Aftermath and God's Deliverance

Following Eglon's assassination, Ehud escaped and rallied the Israelites to seize the fords of the Jordan River, preventing the Moabites from escaping. The Israelites, empowered by God's deliverance, struck down about ten thousand Moabite warriors, securing a significant victory. Judges 3:30 states, "So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had rest for eighty years."

Theological Implications

The account of Ehud underscores God's role as the preserver of Israel. Despite Israel's repeated disobedience, God remains faithful to His covenant, responding to their cries for deliverance. Ehud's account illustrates how God can use unexpected means and individuals to accomplish His purposes, demonstrating His sovereignty and commitment to preserving His people.

Through Ehud, God not only delivered Israel from physical oppression but also reaffirmed His presence and power among them. This narrative serves as a testament to God's enduring mercy and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people, ensuring their survival and continuity in accordance with His divine plan.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:15-30
But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... omnipresent, omniscient, having all power, Creator, Preserver, and self ... mankind to
make their peace with God, to be ... Anarchy,(7) 2. Under Cushan 8 2605 1552 ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/millers views on the second.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... of Abimelech, and possibly that of Ehud, may have ... could no longer intercede with
their God except through ... of idolatrous practices in Judah under Rehoboam and ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm